Studio Information
Biography
Kristal Schwartz Barlaan is a professional harpist with over a decade of performing and teaching achievements. She is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, earning a Masters in Performance with Honors, as well as a Bachelors of Music Performance from Thomas Edison University.
She has studied with principal harpists of the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Conservatory, and San Jose State. Mrs. Kristal is a dedicated teacher and seeks her students best, takes time on the small things, and whose greatest joy is to see her students take flight. Kristal has one of the largest thriving private studios with over 27 young harpist from beginner through advanced levels. Since 2008 Kristal is building a K-12 harp program at Valley Christian Conservatory. Kristal is currently director of the San Jose Youth Symphony Harp Ensemble and is on faculty at West Valley College. When she is not teaching, she is preparing for solo concerts, and performing for many Bay Area special events.
She has studied with principal harpists of the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Conservatory, and San Jose State. Mrs. Kristal is a dedicated teacher and seeks her students best, takes time on the small things, and whose greatest joy is to see her students take flight. Kristal has one of the largest thriving private studios with over 27 young harpist from beginner through advanced levels. Since 2008 Kristal is building a K-12 harp program at Valley Christian Conservatory. Kristal is currently director of the San Jose Youth Symphony Harp Ensemble and is on faculty at West Valley College. When she is not teaching, she is preparing for solo concerts, and performing for many Bay Area special events.
Tuition is calculated based on 49 lessons per calendar year, (allowing for the studio to have 3 weeks of vacation and National holiday), then the annual amount is divided into twelve equal monthly payments for convenience. This means your monthly tuition will be the same each month whether you receive 3, 4 or 5 lessons in that month.
Tuition is due on the first of the month. A $20.00 late fee will be charged for all payments remitted after the first week of each month. There is a $35.00 fee for each returned check.
Tuition is due on the first of the month. A $20.00 late fee will be charged for all payments remitted after the first week of each month. There is a $35.00 fee for each returned check.
Bay Area Harp Academy Policy
Scope of Study: To become a well rounded musician, it is essential that students be actively engaged in all facets of music including music theory, sight-reading, technique and performance. Composition, singing and other artistic activities are also encouraged. In addition, music takes discipline and motivation in order to succeed.
Parent Role: The parent’s role in music education is very important as much of the practice and discipline for development occurs at home. Practice needs to be monitored and instilled as a daily routine. We recommend a practice routine at the same time every day making practice habitual. All students under the age of 8 are expected to have a parent present at each lesson. We will notify you of local concerts,. events and musical activities that might be of interest to you and your child. Encourage your child to share what they are learning by performing for family/friends on a regular basis.
Lessons: Weekly lessons are scheduled for each student. This time slot is agreed upon by students/parents/instructors and guaranteed as scheduled each week. Lesson cancellations are not accepted and are a digression of studio policy that may lead to pupil dismissal. We treat artistic instruction seriously and require the same from our pupils and parents.
Billing: Tuition is to be received by mail, Paypal or Square by the first of each month. Late fee of $20 for payment received after the 10th. Returned check $35. Payment will not be accepted at the lesson. Please make checks payable to Kristal Barlaan;
Student Absences: Excused Absence: Parents/students must notify Angelic Harp by email and in person, of schedule changes or a planned absence at the beginning of the month or two weeks before. All schedule requests must be emailed and documented. There will be no pro-ration; the make-up lesson must be scheduled within the month of the absence. Unexcused Absence: Any missed lesson not planned for at the beginning of the month, all no shows, and all unplanned absences not in writing are unexcused and will receive no make up. Please call or text your teacher (Kristal or Sam) if you are going to miss your lesson and it is less than 48 hours notice. Then, notify Angelic Harp by email to confirm the last minute cancellation. In extreme situations like sudden illness or family tragedies, a make-up lesson will be considered. There will be no pro-ration for these lessons.
Make-Up Lessons: There are no make-ups for an unexcused absence. An unexcused absence is any missed lesson not planned at the beginning of the month, all no shows and all unplanned absences not in writing.. Students are responsible for scheduling the make-up lesson. Make-ups must be done within a month of the excused absence. All other absences are considered unexcused and student will be charged accordingly. Make-up lessons may be scheduled with alternate instructor. Make-up lessons are dependent on availability of instructors. We do not guarantee make-up lessons for missed lessons.
Instructor Absences: A substitute will be provided if the regular instructor is not available.
Summer vacations: Vacations plans must be stated by May 30th. Maximum vacation is two weeks per year. Anything longer will forfeit student’s time slot. All vacations require a make-up. Lessons are billed monthly and paid for prior to vacation.
Holidays Observed: New Year's Eve, New Years Day, Independence Day,Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. Make-up lessons will be scheduled accordingly
Suspended Lessons: A 30-day notice is required to suspend lessons. Current lesson day/time is not guaranteed upon return.
Scope of Study: To become a well rounded musician, it is essential that students be actively engaged in all facets of music including music theory, sight-reading, technique and performance. Composition, singing and other artistic activities are also encouraged. In addition, music takes discipline and motivation in order to succeed.
Parent Role: The parent’s role in music education is very important as much of the practice and discipline for development occurs at home. Practice needs to be monitored and instilled as a daily routine. We recommend a practice routine at the same time every day making practice habitual. All students under the age of 8 are expected to have a parent present at each lesson. We will notify you of local concerts,. events and musical activities that might be of interest to you and your child. Encourage your child to share what they are learning by performing for family/friends on a regular basis.
Lessons: Weekly lessons are scheduled for each student. This time slot is agreed upon by students/parents/instructors and guaranteed as scheduled each week. Lesson cancellations are not accepted and are a digression of studio policy that may lead to pupil dismissal. We treat artistic instruction seriously and require the same from our pupils and parents.
Billing: Tuition is to be received by mail, Paypal or Square by the first of each month. Late fee of $20 for payment received after the 10th. Returned check $35. Payment will not be accepted at the lesson. Please make checks payable to Kristal Barlaan;
Student Absences: Excused Absence: Parents/students must notify Angelic Harp by email and in person, of schedule changes or a planned absence at the beginning of the month or two weeks before. All schedule requests must be emailed and documented. There will be no pro-ration; the make-up lesson must be scheduled within the month of the absence. Unexcused Absence: Any missed lesson not planned for at the beginning of the month, all no shows, and all unplanned absences not in writing are unexcused and will receive no make up. Please call or text your teacher (Kristal or Sam) if you are going to miss your lesson and it is less than 48 hours notice. Then, notify Angelic Harp by email to confirm the last minute cancellation. In extreme situations like sudden illness or family tragedies, a make-up lesson will be considered. There will be no pro-ration for these lessons.
Make-Up Lessons: There are no make-ups for an unexcused absence. An unexcused absence is any missed lesson not planned at the beginning of the month, all no shows and all unplanned absences not in writing.. Students are responsible for scheduling the make-up lesson. Make-ups must be done within a month of the excused absence. All other absences are considered unexcused and student will be charged accordingly. Make-up lessons may be scheduled with alternate instructor. Make-up lessons are dependent on availability of instructors. We do not guarantee make-up lessons for missed lessons.
Instructor Absences: A substitute will be provided if the regular instructor is not available.
Summer vacations: Vacations plans must be stated by May 30th. Maximum vacation is two weeks per year. Anything longer will forfeit student’s time slot. All vacations require a make-up. Lessons are billed monthly and paid for prior to vacation.
Holidays Observed: New Year's Eve, New Years Day, Independence Day,Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. Make-up lessons will be scheduled accordingly
Suspended Lessons: A 30-day notice is required to suspend lessons. Current lesson day/time is not guaranteed upon return.